Starflight Socks (digital download)

Starflight

Inspired by traditional quilts, the Starflight socks incorporate sawtooth stars, flying geese, and texture that evokes the stitches of hand quilts. The socks are knit from the top down, with a 1x1 ribbed cuff and an eye-catching star motif on the front and back of the leg, and vertical lines on the sides. The pattern includes both calf- and ankle-length versions. The socks have a flap and gusset heel, a quilt-inspired texture on the top of the foot, and a row of flying geese triangles above the toe.

SIZES

1 (2, 3, 4)

Finished circumference (unstretched): 6½ (7½, 8½, 9½)” / 16.5 (19, 21.5, 24) cm. Designed to fit with about ½” / 1 cm negative ease. Leg length: 5½” / 14 cm (calf length); 3½” / 8.5 cm (ankle length)

The sample socks are shown in Size 2 in The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Bear Paw Sock (fingering weight; 70% superwash Merino wool, 20% yak, 10% nylon; 437 yds / 400m per 100g skein) in the colors Lil’ Waapitti (brown; MC calf length, CC ankle length) and Ranch Romance (green; CC calf length, MC ankle length). Note: Samples are knit with CC yarn held dominant.

YARN

Calf-length version (approx)

MC yarn: 250 (305, 350, 400) yds / 230 (280, 320, 365)m of fingering weight yarn

CC yarn: 45 (55, 60, 65) yds / 40 (50, 55, 60)m of fingering weight yarn

Ankle-length version (approx)

MC yarn: 235 (285, 330, 375) yds / 215 (260, 300, 345)m of fingering weight yarn

CC yarn: 35 (40, 45, 50) yds / 30 (35, 40, 45)m of fingering weight yarn

Yarn estimates are based on a sock foot length of 8½ (9½, 10½, 11½)” / 22 (24, 27, 29) cm. You may need more or less yarn depending on foot length. For the best fit, knit socks ½” / 1 cm shorter than actual foot length.

GAUGE

34 sts / 40 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette and colorwork chart, after blocking

Note: You may need to go up a needle size to achieve gauge for the colorwork section.

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS

US Size 1 (2.25 mm) knitting needles (OR size needed to achieve gauge) suitable for working small circumferences in the round (e.g., small circular needle and DPNs, long circular needle for magic loop, OR two circular needles)

Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking.

Stitch markers (3, including one unique for beginning of round marker), scrap yarn or stitch holder, tapestry needle